LOVE

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”  Jer. 31:3.

 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” 1 John 3:1

 We marvel at God’s love for us. And all over the world He is drawing people to Himself in love. Pray for more people in Cambodia to receive their gracious Savior.

This past week we received emails from a couple of the Christian young men from Koh Kong who are currently studying in universities in Phnom Penh. They had theological questions. Hubert was able to show them answers from the Scriptures via return emails. They are hearing various teachings in their wider sphere of contacts now. We are grateful that they are like the Bereans, “…Examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11.  Pray that they would not be led astray, but rather would be strengthened in the truth. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of...” 2 Tim. 3:14

That God's Name Be Declared

It is only 2½ months until we leave to return to Cambodia. We anticipate God doing great things ahead.  There are a few items we are looking for to take back with us yet. Hubert wants to go ahead of me and prepare the house. I am excited that my sister Sue Meerman plans to travel with me to Cambodia. She loves teaching the Word of God and is a nurse. I’m sure God will use her much there. We hope to visit some of our children who are in other countries on the way. Pray for God to guide us in preparations.

The church in Koh Kong was happy that the unsaved father of a couple believers in the church came to the service last Sunday. We have been praying that God would save some Cambodians there and that the church would grow even now while we are away.

God answered prayer and I received an email from one doctor in Koh Kong letting me know that the request for the May medical team is being processed. Please keep praying that we would get a clear approval from the health office in Koh Kong. God will accomplish what is needed.

“…For to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.”  Ex. 9:16

Our Help is From the Lord

“My help cometh from the LORD, Which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:  He that keepeth thee will not slumber.”  Psalm 121:2,3. Give thanks to God for His faithful protection as we travel. About a month ago a deer jumped out of the woods as Hubert was driving and knocked the rearview mirror off our car. Praise the Lord no other damage was done. The mirror has now been replaced. Then about a week ago, two deer bounded across the freeway right in front of us as we were returning from a church in the dark. Again God protected us and we did not hit them. God has helped us on snowy roads and through thick fog. We are so aware of His keeping us. Thank you for praying.

My extra training in radiology every Tuesday and Thursday at Holland Hospital is going well. The plan is to be there for all of January and February.  Please keep praying.

Our upcoming schedule is:

Jan. 27  Visit friends in Mansfield, OH.

Jan. 29  Colonial Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA

Feb. 5    Bailey Road Baptist Church, North Jackson, OH

Feb. 12 Vietnamese Church, Grand Rapids, MI

Feb. 19  Chippewa Hills Baptist Church, Remus, MI

Feb. 26  First Baptist Church, Kiel, WI

Answers to Prayer

Driving down to Indianapolis area through the blowing snow was a bit of a challenge along part of the route, but God got us safely there last Thursday evening. It was fun working together with our son-in-law and daughter, Kevin and Hannah, and their six children as we helped them move into their new house. The children were able to go outside and play in the snow as the movers placed the furniture. They also enjoyed listening to Grandpa tell stories, sitting on his lap in front of the big window. What an answer to prayer that they are finally moved in. They are delighted with the new home the Lord has given. Pray that God will use it as a loving place to bring people to know Him. Pray for their old house to sell soon.

On Saturday we drove north up to McBain Baptist Church and enjoyed great fellowship in their missions conference. God was answering prayer and working greatly. People were challenged to go wherever God leads and do whatever He directs. God displayed His beautiful handiwork in the snow piled on the branches of the trees as we drove.

With just three months remaining in our furlough, we so desire that we would use the time wisely and accomplish all that God directs. Please pray for clear direction and joy in Him.

“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.”  Psalm 5:1

Continuing by Prayer

God is continuing to care for us as we travel to visit churches and individuals during this furlough. The ten months is going fast. Hubert has purchased his airline tickets to return to Cambodia April 17. I will purchase mine soon, coordinating around the schedule of several other people.  Pray for wisdom in planning, and for God to direct our paths.

Please continue to pray for the paperwork in Koh Kong for the medical team going there to work in May. We need the permission of the local health department. Also pray for the team members preparing to go. Pray for God to prepare translators and to prepare hearts of people to whom we will minister.

K., a believer in Koh Kong is facing increased health problems again. Please pray for God to intervene and meet his needs.

Thank you for your intercessory prayer.

“…Continuing instant in prayer”  Romans 12:12

Opportunities

Today we said good-bye to our children Jonathan and  Cherith Teachout and their kids as they left Michigan driving to Pennsylvania. From there they plan to return to France to begin another term of missionary service. Good-byes are never easy, but we thank God for allowing them to serve Him in that needy place. Please pray for God to use them in a great way and that many people will turn to Christ through their witness.

Next week I am scheduled to begin extra training in ultrasound and X-ray interpretation. Holland Hospital radiology department has graciously allowed me to spend two days a week for the next two months with them. Please pray that I will learn a lot and that it will be a help to the hospital in Koh Kong when I return to pass on what I learn to the Cambodian doctors.

Please pray for our speaking engagements in January:

1/5/12    Northpoint High School, Grand Rapids, MI

1/8/12    Liberty Baptist Church, Reed City, MI

1/14-15/12  McBain Baptist Church missionary conference, McBain, MI

1/22/12  Blessed Hope Baptist Church, Huber Heights, OH

1/29/12  Colonial Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 

1 Peter 4:7

Christian Families

God gave us a very special Christmas. We celebrated Christ’s first coming, and rejoiced that He is coming again. Four of our five children and their families were with us here in Michigan, and we skyped our youngest daughter in Asia. The peace, love, and joy that were present in the gatherings with family and friends were such blessings from the Lord.  The music and Christmas programs exulted God. The special Christmas foods were delicious. God even gave us snow for our Christmas celebration on the 24^th. The grandkids and their Dads and Grandpas had a good snowball fight outside and made a snowman. It was fun exchanging gifts. Truly we have much to thank God for.

But as we were surrounded by our loving family and many friends who are also in God’s family, we thought of our Cambodian believers in Koh Kong who do not share this blessing. Most of them are the only Christians in their families. It is not easy for them living in homes that oppose things pertaining to Christ. They are constantly surrounded by the world. Praise God they have the church as their spiritual family and friends. Please pray that the spouses, siblings, parents, grandparents, and children of these Christians would turn to Jesus for salvation.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9